Rich Chocolate Blackberry Cheesecake Recipe

The Dreamiest Rich Chocolate Blackberry Cheesecake Recipe Ever

Decadent chocolate swirls dance with vibrant blackberry sauce in this luscious chocolate blackberry cheesecake that promises pure indulgence.

Dark cocoa and ripe berries create a luxurious symphony of flavors on your plate.

Each silky slice reveals layers of deep chocolate complexity balanced by bright, tangy fruit notes.

The creamy cheesecake base provides a smooth canvas for these bold ingredients.

Elegant yet approachable, this dessert transforms an ordinary evening into a special celebration.

Velvety textures and rich undertones make every bite an irresistible experience.

Prepare to savor a dessert that will steal the spotlight at any gathering.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 8

Dark Chocolate Blackberry Cheesecake Ingredient Breakdown

For Crust:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Classic base with buttery texture that provides delightful crunch and foundation for the cheesecake.
  • Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps bind the crust ingredients together.
  • Butter: Transforms dry crumbs into a cohesive, golden-brown crust with rich flavor.
For Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Creamy base that creates smooth, luxurious texture of classic cheesecake.
  • Sugar: Balances and enhances overall sweetness of the dessert.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to complement chocolate and cream cheese.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the filling together, creating perfect consistency.
  • Sour Cream: Introduces tangy richness and helps create ultra-smooth, velvety texture.
  • Dark Chocolate: Brings deep, intense chocolate flavor with sophisticated bittersweet notes.
For Sauce and Garnish:
  • Blackberries: Delivers vibrant, tart fruity flavor that perfectly contrasts rich chocolate.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens sauce and enhances natural berry sweetness.
  • Sugar: Helps create syrupy consistency for sauce and balances berry tartness.

Must-Have Equipment for Blackberry Cheesecake Perfection

  • Springform Pan (9-inch): Essential for creating a perfect cheesecake with removable sides.
  • Electric Mixer: Crucial for beating cream cheese and creating a smooth, creamy filling.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for combining cheesecake ingredients and mixing thoroughly.
  • Medium Bowl: Used for preparing the graham cracker crust mixture.
  • Small Saucepan: Perfect for making the blackberry sauce.
  • Knife: Helps loosen the cheesecake from the pan's edges.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Spatula: Helps fold ingredients and spread filling evenly.
  • Strainer (optional): Useful for removing blackberry seeds from the sauce.

Steps to Bake and Chill Dark Chocolate Blackberry Cheesecake

  • Craft the Crust

Mix graham cracker crumbs with sugar, then blend in melted butter until slightly crumbly. Press mixture firmly into a greased springform pan, creating an even base. Bake at 325F for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.

  • Whip the Creamy Filling

Blend cream cheese until silky smooth. Add sugar and vanilla, mixing thoroughly. Incorporate eggs one by one, ensuring each is fully combined. Fold in sour cream gently. Melt dark chocolate and swirl into the mixture, creating a rich, marbled texture.

  • Bake with Precision

Slide cheesecake into the oven, baking at 325F for 50-60 minutes until the center is just set but slightly jiggly. Turn off oven, leave door slightly open, and let cheesecake rest for an hour. Transfer to refrigerator and chill for 4-6 hours.

  • Create Blackberry Glaze

Simmer blackberries with sugar and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook until berries break down and sauce thickens. Strain to remove seeds if desired, then cool completely.

  • Serve and Beautify

Remove springform pan sides carefully. Drizzle blackberry sauce over the cheesecake. Garnish with fresh blackberries and sprinkle grated dark chocolate for an elegant finish.

Flavor Tips for a Bold and Fruity Cheesecake

  • Let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven with the door cracked to prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause cracking.
  • Always melt dark chocolate using a double boiler or microwave in short bursts to avoid burning and ensure smooth incorporation into the cheesecake batter.
  • Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese and use coconut cream instead of sour cream to create a delicious vegan version of this decadent dessert.
  • This cheesecake actually tastes better when prepared a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld and develop a richer, more complex taste profile.
  • Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs to make the entire dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Serve Up Blackberry Cheesecake with Flair

  • Berry Chocolate Paradise: Serve this decadent cheesecake as a stunning dessert centerpiece for dinner parties or special celebrations.
  • Elegant Plating Technique: Place a slice on a pristine white plate, artfully drizzle extra blackberry sauce around the edges, and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a professional restaurant-style presentation.
  • Complementary Beverage Pairing: Accompany the cheesecake with a glass of rich port wine or a smooth espresso to enhance the dark chocolate and blackberry flavors, creating a sophisticated dessert experience.
  • Textural Contrast Garnish: Top each slice with a sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings, a few fresh blackberries, and a delicate dollop of whipped cream to add visual appeal and extra layers of texture and taste.

Storage Notes for This Decadent Dessert

  • Wrap the cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, ensuring the texture and flavor remain delightful.
  • Slice the cheesecake into individual portions before freezing. Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cheesecake stays tasty for 2-3 months when properly sealed.
  • Allow chilled cheesecake to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This helps soften the texture and enhances the rich, creamy flavor profile.
  • Prepare the cheesecake and blackberry sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store the sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator, keeping the components separate until ready to serve for maximum freshness and optimal taste.

FAQs

  • Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Dark chocolate offers a richer, less sweet flavor that complements the blackberry sauce perfectly. Milk chocolate will make the cheesecake much sweeter and might overpower the fruit’s natural tartness. Stick with dark chocolate for the best balance of flavors.

  • How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

Use room temperature ingredients, mix gently, avoid overmixing, and bake in a water bath. Letting the cheesecake cool slowly in the oven with the door cracked helps prevent sudden temperature changes that cause cracking.

  • Is it necessary to strain the blackberry sauce?

Straining is optional but recommended. It removes seeds and creates a smoother, more elegant sauce. If you don’t mind the seeds or want a more rustic texture, you can skip straining.

  • Can I freeze this cheesecake?

Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain its creamy texture.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Rich Chocolate Blackberry Cheesecake Recipe

Rich Chocolate Blackberry Cheesecake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Silky dark chocolate blackberry cheesecake blends rich cocoa with tangy berries in a luxurious dessert. Creamy layers and berry swirls create a sophisticated treat you’ll savor with each indulgent bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 8 oz (225 g) dark chocolate (70-85%), melted and cooled slightly
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups (180 g) chocolate cookie crumbs (like Oreos, crushed with filling removed)
  • ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups (300 g) fresh or frozen blackberries
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp cornstarch, mixed with 1 tbsp water
  • Fresh blackberries (for garnish)
  • Dark chocolate shavings (for garnish)
  • Whipped cream (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Crust Formation: Pulverize graham crackers with sugar and melted butter, pressing the mixture into a greased springform pan. Toast the foundation at 325F (160C) for 10 minutes, then cool completely.
  2. Cheesecake Base: Whip cream cheese until velvety smooth using an electric mixer. Blend sugar and vanilla, then incorporate eggs individually. Fold in sour cream to create a silky, uniform batter.
  3. Chocolate Integration: Gently melt dark chocolate and allow slight cooling. Swirl the chocolate through the cream cheese mixture, creating elegant marbled patterns. Pour the filling into the prepared crust, smoothing the surface evenly.
  4. Baking Process: Bake at 325F (160C) for 50-60 minutes until the center slightly trembles when nudged. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool gradually for one hour.
  5. Blackberry Sauce Preparation: Simmer fresh blackberries with sugar and lemon juice until the fruits break down and thicken (10-15 minutes). Strain to remove seeds if desired, then cool completely.
  6. Chilling and Finishing: Refrigerate the cheesecake for 4-8 hours or overnight. Release the springform pan and artfully drizzle the blackberry sauce across the surface.
  7. Presentation: Garnish with fresh blackberries and dark chocolate shavings. Slice with a warm knife to reveal the dessert’s luxurious layers and rich flavor profile.

Notes

  • Prevent Crust Crumbling: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid, compact base that won’t fall apart when serving.
  • Manage Cream Cheese Texture: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and whip until completely smooth to avoid lumpy or grainy cheesecake filling.
  • Control Chocolate Swirling: Let melted chocolate cool slightly before incorporating to prevent seizing and achieve elegant marbled patterns throughout the batter.
  • Avoid Cheesecake Cracking: Use the water bath method or gradual cooling technique to minimize surface cracks, keeping the cheesecake’s top silky and professional-looking.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Emily Lawson

Emily Lawson

Content Creator & Culinary Specialist

Expertise

  • Creative Content Writing and Blogging​
  • Plant-Based and Alternative Grilling Recipes​
  • Food Styling and Visual Storytelling​
  • Nutritional Analysis and Healthy Cooking

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods. ​


Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.

Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star